Christmas markets are a fine tradition which have thankfully being resurrected to widespread popularity. There’s no better way of getting in the festive spirit than going to your local Christmas market, tucking in to some seasonal fayre and listening to some traditional music. There is a variety of markets around the country in the style of those native to Germany, Italy, France or Victorian England. Have a look at this guide to the top ten and go to your nearest event or, alternatively, book a trip through UK Breakaways to one of the towns or cities on the list.

Lincoln Christmas Market

This Christmas market in the historic city of Lincoln takes place at the beginning of December and hosts 250 stalls as well as performances. With a medieval square, cathedral and cobbled streets, Lincoln provides the perfect backdrop for a Christmas day out

Caerphilly Medieval Christmas Market

Another historically themed market where you can enjoy traditional music, see the town’s Castle Jester and visit over 150 stalls. This is a great market if food is an important aspect of your Christmas experience. Caerphilly has continental food and a farmers markets to kick-start your Christmas feasting.

Christmas Market at Tate Modern London

A wonderfully unusual location for a Christmas Market, the Tate Modern gallery will host a variety of stalls and festive fun for the whole family. Take a trip along London’s Southbank for an alternative treat.

Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market

This market in Gloucester, the biggest in the South-West, goes all out in providing a full festive experience with Victorian characters, a huge variety of stalls and street shows.

Staffordshire Winter Wonderland

Not the most traditional of markets, but Tamworth’s Snowdome hosts a fantastic immersive experience with real animals, entertainment as well as real snow!

Durham City Christmas Festival

Taking place on the first weekend of December, Durham’s festival covers all bases with a crafts and gifts marquee as well as a local food producers market in and around the city’s spectacular cathedral.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Edinburgh is a wonderful place to be over the festive period anyway but with three markets to choose from over the holidays it has something for everyone. The Children’s Market, European Christmas Market and Scottish Market provide fun, gifts and food for the whole family.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Claimed to be the biggest outdoor market in Britain, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market offers a feast of German goodies from mulled cider to tasty bratwursts.

St Albans Christmas Market

With its great market tradition (the town has had a market since the 9^th Century), St Albans naturally excels at hosting a fantastic Christmas market.

Skipton Yuletide Festival and Christmas Market

This North Yorkshire market town is another great place to spend a few of your holiday days out. Skipton’s market runs down the length of its cobbled high street with lots of stalls and festive entertainment on offer.

Easter Island, Chile (Creative Commons)

Among other things, people travel to unwind and to get away from the stress brought about by everyday life. With the innovations in modern technology, you can still stay in touch with the rest of the world, receive urgent messages, settle bills and other payments, and even play bingo games anywhere on your mobile or tablet. The internet combined with the current technology makes it possible to manage tasks and other paperwork from a remote site should there be a need to do something right away making it totally possible for you to go on a much needed holiday. If a trip to unwind is just the kind of getaway that you are rooting for, here are some suggestions on the best places to rest your mind and your body:

Necker Island, Caribbean. Most of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean still belong to the British Government but this particular island is privately owned. The island is owned by Richard Branson, a popular entrepreneur who is the founder of Virgin Group. Necker Island can be rented from August to October and you can own the entire island complete with the staff and the accommodations.  The rent doesn’t come cheap but it is totally worth it as there is nothing more exciting than owning the entire place even just for a while.

Chiang Mai, Thailand. If tranquility is just the thing that you are looking forward to during your holiday, then Chiang Mai happens to be one of the best destinations as you are surrounded by a rural scenery featuring Mt. Suthep and the river on the other side. There are also a lot of five star hotels in the area. North Thailand has a wealth of culture and you can have a better appreciation of this when you decide to drop by the shrines and temples that showcase fancy designs and ornate decorations. You can also grab the opportunity to explore Siam, the country’s former capital.

Chiang Mai, Thailand (Creative Commons)

Maldives. This may be but a small place but it has a bottled up beauty which makes it attractive to a lot of tourists. With over a thousand islands, Maldives is certainly one of the best getaways for those who are looking for some peace and quiet. The soothing view of the sea, in all directions, will surely direct your stressful thoughts away with its awesome marine life. Diving and Snorkeling are favorite activities in Maldives aside from bumming in the beach and swimming. Expect a Maldivian holiday to be filled by a serene charm as you enjoy your time tasting what heaven might be like while on earth.

Maldives (Creative Commons)

Patagonia, Chile and Argentina Border. If a combination of beauty and peace is what you are looking for, Patagonia is certainly a good choice. This place is not really unknown and there are also tourists who are visiting the place to relax. With its warm weather and constantly cloudless blue skies, you can feel a sense of being at peace while enjoying the view before you. The place is dotted with small resorts, so you won’t have a lot of problems should you decide to stay for a bit.

Easter Island, Chile. If you wish to be far away from other people and crowds are the last thing that you are looking forward to during this vacation, the Easter Island is definitely a good destination. The Easter Island is full of stone structures which are fashioned into huge heads and are ancient and they have been around for years. However, the mystery as to why they exist and who created them is still shrouded by doubt.

Life can be a bit demanding at times especially when you have a really stressful job but it is not an excuse to miss out on some well-deserved rest and recreation. If you are willing to pay for some peace and quiet, these destinations are definitely a must.

You may be a geography ace: studying maps, reading plenty of books and even spending your free time on a game or quiz that challenges your geography skills. But how much do you really know about Europe’s waterways?

As cruises are becoming more and more popular, brands such as Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises are now household names. However, so many little gems continue to slip under the radar. So, broaden your knowledge and discover how to travel the best European destinations in style, with these five underrated cruise lines.

Majestic Line

Scotland is home to some of the most scenic settings in the UK and what better way is there to soak them all up then on the water? Majestic Line is a family-owned business, with two different “luxury mini-cruise ships” on offer. As converted wooden fishing vessels, the Glen Massan and Glen Tarsan are only able to carry a dozen or so passengers per journey, but they are the perfect way to discover spots such as the Loch Ness in character and style.

A-Rosa River Cruises

With 11 river ships in toe, A-Rosa River Cruises is a rapidly expanding German business. To accommodate their growth, three modern vessels now boast an English speaking crew. The A-Rosa Flora, A-Rosa Stella and A-Rosa Silva welcome up to 186 passengers to chart through the waters in the Rhine, Danube and Rhone. Enjoy the all-inclusive settings before hopping on one of the on-board bikes to explore the land.

Emerald Waterways

Emerald Waterways is still in its infancy, having burst onto the scene back in spring to become Europe’s first cruise line start-up in six years. Owned by Australia’s Scenic Tours, the 182-passenger “Star Ships” Emerald Sky and Emerald Star vessels take a leaf out of the major brand’s books, delivering on-board luxuries such as movie theatres and swimming pools.

CroisiEurope

CroisiEurope is a big name on the continent, with nearly 40 ships and barges travelling across France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Germany. As well as sailing in some of Europe’s most popular countries, on-board Michelin-starred chefs craft delectable menus to be enjoyed in the elegant settings. The company recently added another offering to their roster in the shape of the 84-passenger MS Lafayette, which was inaugurated in Strasbourg alongside two other barges.

Louis Cruises

You won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a Louis cruise. Three ships accommodate up to 1,664 passengers in accessible cruise itinerates around the beautiful settings of Turkey and the Greek Isles. Cruise lengths vary from between three to eight days, and you’re sure to be in good hands. Parent company Louis Group has been in the tourism businesses since 1935.

The first business trip away can be a source of excitement, the change from the norm and the chance to experience the cultural significance of the inside of the identikit hotel that you have been put up in. However, this excitement is often diluted every time your boss calls you into his office and tells you that you are to jet off. Eight hours of meetings and polite small-talk can be somewhat draining after a long flight and before the prospect of an uncomfortable night’s sleep.

But, even if the business trip isn’t exactly getting you up off your seat in excitement, there are a number of ways to make the journey more exciting and get the most out of the experience.

Voice Recognition for Word Processor

If you are required to attend lectures, seminars and classes as a part of your business trip, then you may be expected to come back with substantial notes for the rest of the team. A couple of hours’ of note taking can be incredibly strenuous and cause a huge strain on your hands. Alternatively, take a tablet with a word processing program and voice recognition software. Turn this on and sit near to a speaker or the speaker and let your word processor do the hard work.

You can always ask for the notes from the speaker, but there is a chance that it will just be the bare-bone slides of the talk and not contain any useful exploration of the slides. Furthermore, points made by other parties may not be present.

Loyalty Cards

If you are visiting different locations on a regular basis, then it may be preferable to get loyalty cards for popular franchises. Franchises such as Starbucks are found in locations all around the World and their Starbucks Card can be used in most outlets giving you a caffeine boost when you may need it most. These loyalty cards bring with them a number of benefits including free drinks and discounted prices, saving you money and giving you a small sense of achievement.

The StoCard app on iOS and Android helps store all of these electronic loyalty cards in one efficient and simple-to-find place so you won’t be frantically packing them into your wallet on the day of departure.

Air Travel Benefits

If you are travelling overseas then it is likely that you will be spending a lot of time in airports and the air. Remove the headache from this sometimes laborious task by encouraging your management to invest in a flight benefits scheme. PartnerPlusBenefit from Lufthansa offers frequent flyers numerous incentives and benefits – making regular travel more affordable and more comfortable.

PartnerPlusBenefit members can make money for their business whilst enjoying a selection of benefits including free upgrades, limousine transfers, airport parking, gift cards and more.

Luxury Hotel Stays

Ensure that you have a little bit of control over where you’ll be resting your head by encouraging your company to invest in a reputable hotel scheme. Rather than risking being stuck out in a bedraggled hostel with questionable running water and an unnerving atmosphere, help guarantee a stay in a quality hotel.

Hilton HHonors offers members a significant number of benefits for both the guest and the company putting up the guest, encouraging a stay in a finer hotel. The scheme includes a fantastic range of benefits including free stays for spouses, bonus points, free nights and upgrades.

Whilst these schemes and initiatives may not make it any easier for you to be away from your loved ones, they can certainly help make it more comfortable.

In the days of belt-tightening, economic problems, money issues…everyone just wants to be able to enjoy themselves without having to spend the cash that is often necessary to do so. Unfortunately, when it comes to booking holidays, there are only so many times you can go to Cornwall on the cheap – we’re restless, wandering beings that have a deep-rooted need to explore and see new things as much as we can, and another week in Penzance won’t cut it for very long.

A decent budget for a week or so away is about £500 once flights and accommodation have been taken into account, but just how far you can get depends on the kind of deals you can dig up from different travel agents and operators. Flight comparison tools can be extremely helpful in this instance, helping you source the cheapest flights for the times you want to go, and there are also hotel price comparison sites and deals that allow you to stay somewhere you know won’t give you fleas for about the same price as somewhere that might.

So, where can you go for under £500? Well, the sad truth is that most places are still going to be ruled out because even with a cheaper flight, they’d still push you over the benchmark. Flights to New York, for example, will run to no more than £400, but it’s a notoriously expensive city to stay in. That rules out America, South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and obviously the likes of New Zealand and Australia, where flights cost about £900-£2000. Even Africa (the touristy bits) is generally going to be out-of-bounds, and you can forget about the Far East as well – the flights cost a lot more than the dirt-cheap accommodation does.

That more or less leaves you with Europe, but don’t be disheartened. There are loads of destinations around the continent that take you off the beaten track to experience things you never have before, and we’re going to tell you about five of them.

Reykjavik, Iceland

One of the smallest capital cities in Europe, you’ll never miss out on anything that’s going on because it’s probably happening around the corner. It’s hip, it’s safe and it’s unlike anywhere you’ll have been before – visit the stunning Hallgrimskirkja church and the statue of Icelandic explorer Leif Eriksson and dive between two tectonic plates at the Thingvellir National Park, a half-hour drive outside the city. Just take it easy when buying alcohol in bars and clubs: beer was banned in Iceland until 1989 and is still quite expensive, which is why many people drink cheaply at home before going out.

Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia as a whole is one of the most underrated countries in Europe in terms of its natural beauty and, for a relaxing summer holiday, you could do far worse than visit Lake Bled. Visitors can swim in the lake or row to the island in its centre, as well as exploring the town of Bled and Bled Castle, a medieval structure that overlooks the lake. Don’t forget to try the local speciality, kremna rezina – it’s a puff pastry filled with custard cream and topped with powdered sugar, and it’s divine.

Bologna, Italy

Though it doesn’t have the obvious appeal of cities like Rome, Florence, Naples or Venice, Bologna is certainly worth a visit for the discerning traveller who appreciates its architecture and history. For instance, it’s the home of the oldest university in the Western world (founded in 1088), boasting alumni that include Dante Alighieri, Nicolaus Copernicus, Petrarch and Thomas Becket. You can also visit the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, structures whose height made them key parts of the city’s defence. And the cuisine’s impeccable, but it’s Italy – so you knew that already. 

Kalabaka, Greece

You might have never heard of Kalabaka – it’s only a small town in the middle of Greece, after all – but you might well have heard of Meteora, the set of “floating” Orthodox monasteries that loom over the town on pillars of sandstone rock. Six monasteries (now uninhabited) remain and tourists flock from all over Europe to climb to them via steps cut into the cliff. Although Kalabaka won’t keep you entertained for much more than a long weekend (there is a twelfth-century cathedral in the town itself, and there are excursions outside the town available to occupy you), it’ll certainly keep you below your budget.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Scandinavia is still a bit of an untapped tourist destination as far as visitors outside Europe are concerned, but cities like Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, are rife with culture and things to do. Architecturally, Copenhagen is one of the most eclectic cities, with stunning examples of medieval and modern buildings throughout its various districts, and its long association with beer (as the home of Carlsberg and a rising number of microbreweries) will always ensure that booze connoisseurs will be well-catered for. With the two oldest amusement parks in the world also in operation within the city, children are catered for as well.

Image credits: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Whether you’re a young person taking a gap year or an older person looking to bolster your credentials, volunteering abroad has never been so popular or so available. Whatever your inclination in life, experience of living in another country and its culture working with those who need help is a valuable experience.

Disability shouldn’t be a barrier to such endeavors, yet volunteering requires precaution, effort and research in order for your health to be preserved and your fulfillment and enjoyment of the role maximized.

As well as dispelling stereotypes, people with disabilities can bring both inspiration and a new perspective to everyone they encounter. Showing others that where you go in life is largely dictated by your attitude and will rather than the condition of your body is a great attribute disabled volunteers can demonstrate.

The right agency, location and insurance

Some agencies specialize in assisting the disabled. Others will work on your behalf to find projects that suit your needs and desires by soliciting other organizations.  Given that both the search and potential positions must be tailor-made, it is worth beginning the process at least a year before you’d like to set off. Enlisting the help of family or your carer in the search will relieve the burden, whilst discussion will narrow down potential destinations and jobs. Short-term placements have grown hugely in the last decade; nowadays you can volunteer from as little as two weeks all the way up to two years.

If you happen to volunteer in a first world country with good healthcare and transport, then a range of issues are solved there and then. Long distance places such as Japan and South Korea offer superb amenities, healthcare and accessibility for disabled individuals but can be expensive. Closer to home the nations of Spain, Italy and Greece offer both a healthy climate and shorter travel distance, and these countries are expanding opportunities to disabled volunteers. If you aspire to an affinity with a certain culture or language, this should also play a part in your choice.

Insurance is vital. Sometimes agencies will take care of this for you, or point you to a company that will cover a wide range of conditions for a fair rate. Length of time covered will also affect the cost. In the EU insurance can be a smoother process if you apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which likewise allows for certain expenses to be refunded on returning to the UK.

Essential preparation

You should secure enough medication to last you for the duration of the post. Some medications abroad are available without a prescription. Once you are sure of a given country you can investigate this. If you need to consult with your GP, it is best to be polite and concise with your request as doctors tend to work on a tight schedule.

If volunteering in a non-English speaking country, it is at least useful and sometimes necessary to study the language. Resources such as beginner’s books can be found cheaply online. Whether or not you are visually impaired audio courses such as Michel Thomas are very useful. If you have trouble walking, a mobility aid suited to the environment can make that bit of difference.

After you’ve decided where you’d like to go and what you’d like to do, making a list of requirements is essential. These are things other than the usual travel itinerary of proper clothes, plane tickets and sun cream. If you use a wheelchair, you’ll need to be based in a place with good accessibility such as even ground and ramps. If you’ve skills, experience and things you enjoy, applying for a post relevant to these can help your application and make the task easier.

Transportation should be available and accessible. Some countries will require immunization shots which can be arranged via your GP. Many countries outside the EU require UK residents carry a visa. Bathroom and bedroom facilities in your accommodation should suit your needs. Distances to clinics, pharmacies and hospitals should also be noted. If you have allergies, checking the local diet can be handy. Brainstorm with those around you to help your checklist develop to meet your needs.

Once things are set in stone, you might find yourself liaising with international charities for suitable equipment such as a proper bed or shower seat to be delivered to your place of stay. Advice concerning your placement can also be sought from these organizations.

Finances

If you are in receipt of benefits then you should investigate conditions surrounding travel abroad. Many benefits will continue to be paid but require notification if you expect to be outside of the country beyond a certain length of time. It may be necessary for you or your carer to notify social services ahead of your journey. If you have a personal assistant, it is possible for them to apply to have their travel costs covered so they can fly out to see you.

In the scenario that there are outstanding costs not covered by the hiring agency you can apply for grants to cover your accommodation, travel and living costs. Often these can be sourced from a variety of charities, many of which will need you to make a case for the funding. Often however you’ll meet a representative who will guide you through the process and fill out any forms with you. Grants often fall under the umbrella of local initiatives specific to your region, but there are also wider schemes. Having a stock e-mail to inquire can yield more information, as can a simple phone call. In any event you should have some spending money for luxuries, as such expenses will not tend to be covered by grants.

Conclusion

Since you read this it means you’re at least considering volunteering. If you’re enthusiastic then please don’t stop here! Volunteering abroad when you’ve a disability can seem daunting at first and certainly isn’t easy. Yet if you persevere, take things step-by-step and seek assistance you can get there. Afterwards the potential in finding a new job or even more volunteering elsewhere is huge. Not only does accomplishing this set a fine example, it shows others that with willpower, strength and teamwork, anybody can do anything they set their mind to. Whether you seek advancement in your career or simply a sense of accomplishment, volunteering abroad proves to others determination, willpower, initiative and strength. Disability needn’t be an obstacle to attainment in life.

Useful links

Martyn Sibley, a disabled volunteer, details his time spent volunteering abroad: http://disabilityhorizons.com/2012/02/martyn-sibley-overcoming-my-disability-to-volunteer-abroad/

Everything Is Possible – http://www.everythingispossible.eu/

Leonard Cheshire volunteering – http://www.lcdisability.org/?lid=3094

If you’re looking for a holiday that’s a little out of the ordinary, then you should look no further than Turkey. This beautiful country will charm sun seekers, history lovers and those who just want to enjoy an extraordinary experience.

The Antalya region in Turkey

One of the best resorts to visit for your Turkey holidays is the stunning city of Antalya. This Mediterranean city is perfect for all generations and can offer entertainment for the whole family. The city is sometimes called the Turkish Riviera since it is an established holiday resort but the old town and the surrounding landscape have still retained their fascination for visitors over the centuries.

Modern sports against an ancient backdrop in Turkey

If you’ve ever wanted to learn scuba diving or try any other watersports, Antalya is home to many diving schools where you’ll learn this new skill from professional PADI instructors. Imagine being able to explore the wonderful fish and other underwater marine life for yourself.

As you surface from the sea you’ll be greeted by some of the most ancient and stunning mountains in this part of the world. You can always leave Antalya’s Roman harbour on a very modern speed boat and just take a tour of the local islands.

Istanbul – the city between two continents

This city once lay at the heart of the Byzantine Empire and its position on the banks of the Bosphorous is quite literally where east meets west. Modern Istanbul is famous for its markets, its beautiful mosques as well as the ancient palaces of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire.

To really experience this extraordinary city, take a trip down the Bospherous and marvel at the spires of the city’s important ancient mosque, the Haghia Sophia. If you have the time to explore Istanbul, then a trip to the Grand Bazaar is imperative.

Try not to pay the asking price if you do want to do some shopping, haggling is mandatory here and it’s easy to make yourself understood.

Beautiful beaches in Turkey

Turkey’s most westerly neighbour is Greece and if you want to spend some time sunning yourself in glorious surroundings then go to Bozcaada.

This small island on the Aegean claims that it was the home to the Greek fleet during the time of the Trojan War. Thankfully no warships are visible today – only small family run restaurants, wonderful local wine and the ideal place to come for total relaxation.

Chicken Bus, Costa Rica by Arturo Sotillo (Creative Commons)

Exploring a new destination involves the need for two things – a good public transport network and a bit of nerve. Whilst most popular tourist resorts will be easy to get around, thanks to the whole place being geared up for foreign visitors, some destinations are off the beaten track, and those are the places that beg to be explored.

One of the biggest challenges when you first arrive in your chosen country is getting from the airport to resort. If you’ve booked through a large holiday company, such as a package break through Thomas Cook or Thomson, for example, then you’re likely to be met at the airport door by a rep, and taken to a large coach, which will whisk you to your hotel. Of course the downside of this is that many others will also be going through the same process, and the coach will probably take a while to get to your particular hotel.

I often book my holiday parts separately; I don’t tend to go down the package holiday route, and this means I book my transfer separately too. If you go for this option, be sure to choose a reputable company, I always book mine through Travel Republic, and I’ve never run into problems. A smaller shuttle bus means less stops, and that of course means you get to your hotel quicker!

Once you’re in your resort and you’ve sampled the local delights a little, I’d highly recommend putting on your exploration head. I recently jumped on the local bus on a visit to Marmaris, and went to the regional city of Mugla. Whilst we had no idea where we were going, it was easy by asking a few questions, remembering lots of pleases and thank you’s and being a bit brave! It was a great day out and no matter where you are, it’s always worth heading off and seeing what’s out and about. However, always remember to stay safe, and never venture off alone, or without telling anyone where you’re going. It’s all common sense really.

Travelling around is always the most stressful part of any holiday, but I always find the UK side of it more stressful than anything! Getting to the airport is full of pitfalls and can often be costly if you’re having to factor in taxis and public transport. Airport parking really is a godsend for anyone wanting to cut down on cost and stress. I regularly use BCP for parking at Heathrow, and I’ve never found reason to complain! This service offers many perks, and if you’re travelling with children, it certainly lowers stress levels and offers comfort. No matter where you fly from, you’ll find a service to suit. There are fantastic facilities for Manchester Airport parking, and most other regional airports too, so certainly check out what’s available near you.

Getting out and about is a must, not just an option – be brave, be safe, and go explore!

Image curtesy of Visit Finland via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Often overlooked in favour of its more accessible neighbours, Finland has become one of the least touristy countries in Western Europe. Travellers who dismiss Finland as an empty cold and dark wilderness are missing out. It is in fact one of the most unique and interesting regions in Europe.

There are few other places in the world where summer provides near 24-hour sunshine and winter brings with it almost total darkness. Along with this, Finland’s isolated location means that it retains its wild, natural beauty that includes wide, deep lakes and miles of forests. Alternatively its capital Helsinki will surprise visitors with its ability to provide a truly unique city break.

Helsinki

Finland’s capital is cool and modern city that has a creative, independent vibe that makes it distinct from any other European city. As well as this, its location right on the coast means that it benefits from the clean, fresh sea air, plus tourists can watch as large ferries dominate the skyline when they make their way to the city’s harbour. By European standards Helsinki is not a very old city and it has little architecture dating back before the early 20^th Century. This doesn’t mean the city is without character, as it has numerous elegant Art Nouveau and striking Art Deco buildings.

In summer Helsinki comes alive, with its green spaces and parks packed full of residents and visitors. The city barely sleeps and its 20-hours of sunshine a day means it becomes an outdoor lover’s dream location. In winter the city is at the other extreme with only six hours of sunshine, the temperature drops to well below freezing and its streets become almost deserted.

If you are visiting in winter then there are many museums and art galleries where you can discover Finland’s rich history and creativity. Once you’re all cultured out you can head to one of the city’s many cafes, some of which retain the same décor and menu from when they first opened in the 1930s, while others offer a modern and trendy alternative.

The Lakeland

A great place to visit in summer, Finland’s Lakeland region is full of lakes, rivers, locks and canals. Its remote location means that there are miles of unspoilt nature to enjoy and stunning scenery that will stay in your memory forever. There are lots of activities to enjoy in this part of the country; those who enjoy hiking will love exploring its forest trails and hills, while those seeking a bit more excitement can have a go at white water rafting or head off mountain biking.

This region also has a lot to offer in the winter months, with skiing being a big attraction. If you’re looking for more offbeat activities try dog-sledding, snowmobiling, ice-fishing and cross-country skiing.

Lapland

One of the most famous parts of Finland is Lapland. Stretching far into the north of the country and hundreds of miles above the Arctic Circle, Lapland is a wilderness that enjoys an extremely brief summer and a very long, cold winter. This beautiful and isolated region is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see the Northern Lights in their full glory, plus it offers unique experiences such as watching reindeer races across frozen lakes.

Getting there: You can either fly directly into Helsinki airport or travel by ferry into the city. From there you can either get a connecting flight or travel by train to other parts of the country.

Written by Derin Clark, a writer, editor and blogger

Latrigg is perfect for beginner walkers that want to hone their hiking skills

From small hills to imposing mountains, the rugged scenery of the Lake District has made it a favourite destination for hundreds of thousands of British hikers. While its most challenging climbs may also be its most memorable, there are plenty of hiking trails in the Lake District for absolute beginners and budding hiking experts.

These six Lake District hikes are perfect for honing your skills before conquering the region’s biggest fells. Each is achievable in under four hours or – in some cases – just 20 to 30 minutes.

1.    Orrest Head

Orrest Head is the perfect warm-up for the Lake District’s more challenging walking routes. Suitable for small children and elderly visitors alike, the 20-minute climb up to the summit of Orrest Head offers some great views of Windermere and beyond.

Conveniently located for visitors staying in Windermere, this walk’s simplicity and rewarding summit views make it a great ‘first fell’ for visitors seeking a walk that’s far from challenging, yet offers great rewards.

2.    Cat Bells

Cat Bells might be one of the Lake District’s most popular fells, at least after Orrest Head. Popular with beginner hikers, this walk takes around two hours to complete and takes you through some of the Lake District’s most remarkable terrain.

Begin the walk from Little Town Chapel, which is easy to access from Keswick. From here, it’s a 3.3-mile walk to the summit. There is some light roadside walking but the light traffic makes it almost completely risk-free.

In high season, this walk attracts a large amount of walkers staying in Keswick. Pack a tasty lunch and enjoy it t the summit before you complete the one-hour journey to the Little Town Chapel car park.

3.    Latrigg

Latrigg’s modest height and excellent views of Borrowdale make it one of the most rewarding walks in the Lake District. Ideal for beginners, this walking trail is about the same level of difficulty as Cat Bells – which is to say, it’s far from difficult.

Easily accessible from Keswick, the walk to the summit of Latrigg takes about three hours in good weather. The total walk is around six miles in total, making it a more time consuming walk than the journey up and down Cat Bells.

4.    Aira Force

The Lake District’s most aesthetically appealing waterfall can be accessed by one of the region’s best walking trails. Pass wish trees and beautiful Lake District scenery on the way to the inspiring Aira Force, which has enchanted locals for centuries.

Aira Force was an obsession of Lake District poet William Wordsworth, who visited the waterfall several times for creative inspiration. The waterfall is accessible via an impressive lakeside trail that takes visitors past a wish tree – be sure to bring a coin!

5.    Binsey

Binsey was one of the favourite fells of legendary British walker Alfred Wainwright, who authored many guidebooks on scenic walking. The 4.1-mile trail up and down Binsey takes visitors through some of the Lake District’s most picturesque terrain.

Accessible via the small settlement of Bewaldeth, the journey up Binsey begins with a steep climb that brings walkers up almost 300 metres above their starting point to the summit.

From here, it’s a gentle walk back down through charming Lake District scenery. Be sure to pack a good camera for this two-hour trip, as the views on offer are stunning and certainly not to be missed.

6.    Borger Dair

Described as the ‘finest square mile in Lakeland’ by Alfred Wainwright, Border Dair is an excellent four-mile trek that’s perfect for beginner walkers looking to improve their skills.

Pass a variety of holiday lodges for sale in the Lake District on the way to this walk, which will take you to Castle Crag – one of many hill forts build in the Lake District over 2,000 years ago.